By Tyson Thorne

March 11, 2014
 
 

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Paul also experienced hardships. He recounts them often, but what distressed him the most were those who turned away from the pure gospel of faith alone in Christ alone and instead put their trust in works. The works of the flesh never bring about salvation, and in some cases, ends in destruction. He talks about this very thing in Philippians chapter three.

He begins the chapter with a command to “rejoice!” Then immediately warns them about people who put their trust in the flesh, stating in verse three, “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh”. Verses seven through 14 is Paul at his most eloquent, verses many of you probably have memorized. Then Paul gives them an extraordinary command in verse 17, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.”

Paul says, “Follow me!” It’s not in the text, but I can imagine the leper saying the same to the king of Samaria. “The army is gone, there is food and wealth beyond imagining just outside the gates! Follow me!”

What is this “pattern” Paul claims to have given us? Rejoicing is part of the pattern, so is trust in Christ alone. Living up to our heavenly citizenship now, even as we anxiously await the return of Christ is also part of the pattern.

He ends the chapter with another warning beginning in verse 18, “For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.”

Who is Paul talking about? In context, it is whom theologians call “Judaizers”. These men followed Paul, and tried to corrupt the gospel of grace by teaching that man must be circumcised and follow the law of Moses. Today it applies to all who put their trust in the flesh, rather than God.

Hard times fall on everyone. A friend of mine recently lost his job, and along with it his medical insurance. His wife became seriously ill and will likely need surgery. She has taken a medical leave from her work, but she used up all her time and now she doesn’t have a job either, or insurance. One of their two cars developed starting problems. To fix it takes money they don’t have. Sometimes it seems God is nowhere to be found. Even so, we can trust Him. He will come through. But if our trust is in ourselves, our own hard work, or even in our nation’s leaders, our destiny is destruction. Instead, our trust is in Jesus and our citizenship is in heaven. Paul says it’s time we live like citizens of the Kingdom; it’s time to follow Paul and the leper and tell everyone we meet, “follow me.”

 
 
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